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Updated September 8, 2026 from live stats

Andy Dalton or Cam WardWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Cam Ward over Andy Dalton in 2026.

Cam Ward averaged 11.0 PPG in 2025 to Andy Dalton's 9.8, a 1.2 point per game edge. Ward also stayed healthier, playing 17 games to 10, which steadies his weekly floor.

The Bottom Line

Statistically, Cam Ward and Andy Dalton are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 1.2-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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QBCarolina Panthers

Andy Dalton

PPG

9.8

Games

Pass Yds

1,925

Pass TDs

Bye

Week 11

QBTennessee Titans#39PPG LEADER

Cam Ward

PPG

11.0

Games

Pass Yds

3,169

Pass TDs

Rush Yds

159

Rush TDs

Bye

Week 9

The Edge Chart

Andy Dalton

Cam Ward

Head to Head

9.8 PPG11.0 PPG

10 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 11Bye: Week 9

Fantasy Tiers

Andy Dalton: Unranked QB. Cam Ward: Tier 7 (Deep League) QB (ranked #39 at the position). Among the top 32 quarterbacks this season, Andy Dalton is producing at 45% of elite pace and Cam Ward at 50%. That per-game gap means Cam Ward carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Andy Dalton vs Cam Ward: The Full Breakdown

Andy Dalton (9.8 PPG) and Cam Ward (11.0 PPG) produced nearly identical fantasy numbers in 2025. When two quarterbacks are this close on a per-game basis, the weekly matchup matters more than the season-long resume. Andy Dalton played 10 games for the Carolina Panthers; Cam Ward suited up 17 times for the Tennessee Titans.

A 1.2-point per-game gap over a full season is essentially noise. It means one extra catch, one fewer target, or a single broken play away from flipping the script. For a weekly start/sit call between these two, matchup analysis matters far more than the season line.

Both lean on arm talent and offensive scheme as traditional pocket passers. Andy Dalton threw for 1925 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Cam Ward posted 3169 yards and 15 scores. Volume, red zone efficiency, and game script are the key week-to-week differentiators when neither carries rushing upside.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Andy Dalton sits Week 11 while Cam Ward is off Week 9. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Andy Dalton (age 27) is in his prime window. Peak production now with steady value for the next 3-4 seasons. Cam Ward (age 24) is in the early stages of his career with 5+ years of starter-caliber upside. His dynasty value is rising.

Did You Know?

•Cam Ward outscored Andy Dalton by a projected 20 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Cam Ward played 17 games in 2025 compared to Andy Dalton's 10. That durability gap means Cam Ward contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Cam Ward scored 17 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.0 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at quarterback.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Andy Dalton vs Cam Ward: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Andy Dalton	Cam Ward
PPG (Half-PPR)	9.8	11.0
Games Played	10	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	98	187
Passing Yards	1,925	3,169
Passing TDs	10	15
Pass Yds/Game	192.5	186.4
Rushing Yards	42	159
Rushing TDs	0	2
Total TDs	10	17
TDs/Game	1.0	1.0
Age	-	24
Bye Week	Week 11	Week 9

Summary

11.0 PPG for Cam Ward versus 9.8 for Andy Dalton in 2025. The baseline favors Cam Ward, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Andy Dalton or Cam Ward in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Cam Ward has the edge at 11.0 PPG compared to Andy Dalton's 9.8 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

Should I draft Andy Dalton or Cam Ward in 2026 fantasy football?▾

Cam Ward is the earlier pick. He averaged 11.0 fantasy points per game in 2025 to Andy Dalton's 9.8, a 1.2 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did Andy Dalton and Cam Ward average in 2025?▾

Andy Dalton averaged 9.8 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 10 games in 2025. Cam Ward averaged 11.0 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 1.2 points per game.

When are Andy Dalton and Cam Ward's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Andy Dalton (CAR) has a bye in Week 11, and Cam Ward (TEN) has a bye in Week 9. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Andy Dalton or Cam Ward a better fantasy quarterback in 2026?▾

Cam Ward outscored Andy Dalton by 1.2 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.